Audrey Bennett and Ron Eglash explore "heritage algorithms" in new op-ed

Professor Audrey Bennett and Professor Ron Eglash have published a new op-ed, titled ​“Heritage Algorithms: Combining the Rigors of Science with the Infinite Possibilities of Art and Design.” The article is featured on The Conversation, a prominent platform for sharing academic expertise and thought-provoking insights.

In the thought-provoking article, Bennett and Eglash explore the intersection of science, heritage, art, and design. They delve into the concept of ​“Heritage Algorithms,” a captivating fusion of scientific rigor and artistic imagination that opens up new frontiers of creativity and innovation. By combining the structured methodologies of science with the limitless possibilities of art and design, heritage algorithms provide a powerful framework for creating meaningful connections between the past, present, and future.

The model of democracy in the 1920s is sometimes called ​“the melting pot” – the dissolution of different cultures into an American soup. An update for the 2020s might be ​“open source,” where cultural mixing, sharing and collaborating can build bridges between people rather than create divides.

Our research on heritage algorithms aims to build such a bridge. We develop digital tools to teach students about the complex mathematical sequences and patterns present in different cultures’ artistic, architectural and design practices.

By combining computational thinking and cultural creative practices, our work provides an entry point for students who are disproportionately left out of STEM careers, whether by race, class or gender. Even those who feel at home with equations and abstraction can benefit from narrowing the gap between the arts and sciences.

Read the full article: Heritage algorithms combine the rigors of science with the infinite possibilities of art and design